FAQ for Foreign Buyers of Land and Property in Japan

Can foreigners purchase land or property in Japan?

Yes. In Japan, foreigners can freely purchase land and property regardless of nationality or residency status. You can even purchase property without living in Japan.

Do I need a visa or residency status to buy property?

A visa is not required to purchase property. However, it may affect your ability to obtain a mortgage. If you apply for a loan from a Japanese bank, conditions such as residency history, stable income in Japan, and a valid visa are often required. If you pay in cash, there are no such restrictions.

Real estate system and costs

Required procedures: Contract signing, deposit, name transfer, and registration. Brokerage fee & other costs: (Property price × 3%) + 60,000 yen + 10% consumption tax. Additional taxes: Registration tax, real estate acquisition tax, and stamp duty. After purchase: Annual fixed property tax and city planning tax apply, the same as for Japanese owners. For condominiums: Monthly management fees and reserve fund contributions are required.

What if all contracts and paperwork are in Japanese?

For daily communication, AI translation can support almost any language. For legal contracts and detailed documents, we recommend hiring a professional interpreter for full understanding.

Which areas are popular and safe in Japan?

We can advise you on popular residential areas and provide support in checking earthquake-resistant housing standards, as well as guidance on how to select safe properties.

Can I visit a completed house you've built?

Yes, you can. Our office includes a showroom that is a renovated older home. Additionally, we also hold open house tours of our completed projects. If the timing works for you, you can apply for a tour through our website.

Can I consult with you starting from the land search?

Absolutely. We work closely with partner real estate agencies to assist you from the land search stage. By discussing your overall budget and lifestyle preferences, we help you find the property that best suits your needs.

I haven't decided whether to buy land and build a new home or to purchase and renovate an existing property. Can I still consult with you and search for properties?

Of course. In fact, this is the perfect time to consult with us. We'll help you clarify your criteria and guide you through comparing and evaluating properties while assisting you in finding the ideal one.

If I ask for help with land or property searches, will there be additional design fees?

No, there are no additional fees beyond the design fees for the house itself. Feel free to consult with us without worrying about extra costs.

I've heard that Japanese homes can be cold. Can you design homes with high insulation?

Yes, we can. It's true that many homes in Japan still lack sufficient insulation. To address this issue, we've developed and implemented advanced techniques for creating highly insulated homes. Whether for new builds or renovations, we design every home to enhance insulation performance.

I want to build a house that can withstand earthquakes.

We prioritize seismic performance and propose the highest possible standards for structural design. Regardless of the construction method, we conduct structural calculations and provide numerical safety assessments. We can also consult on additional solutions, such as seismic damping devices to reduce damage from repeated quakes and base isolation systems to absorb seismic forces.

How long does it take from starting the design process to the completion of the house?

For a 120m² wooden home, the entire process typically takes about 15 months. This includes approximately 6 months for the design phase, 2 months for the estimation phase, and 7 months for construction.

Do you provide after-purchase support?

In Japan, there are strong legal protections for newly built homes: 10-Year Guarantee (required by law) All new homes come with a 10-year warranty for structural safety (such as earthquake resistance) and water leakage. This also includes insurance, so even if the construction company no longer exists, you are still protected. Equipment Warranty Household equipment such as kitchens, bathrooms, and air conditioners are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, usually 1–2 years. Long-Term Support Both the architect and the construction company provide after-care support. Having multiple points of contact means more reliable, long-term assistance.

What if problems occur after the purchase?

Please feel free to contact us directly. We will provide support and connect you with the appropriate professionals when necessary.